WOOD SHOP MENTOR

SUMMARY

Under the Direction of the Supervisor of Fine and Performing Arts, the Wood Shop Mentor will guide and support individuals in developing their woodworking skills. This role involves mentoring participants in safely and effectively using woodworking tools and techniques, fostering a positive and educational environment, and assisting in creating various woodworking projects. The Wood Shop Mentor will customize activities to meet the unique needs of each participant, ensuring a constructive and enriching experience for all.

Embrace Opportunity Village's core values by cultivating positive and meaningful CONNECTIONS with participants and team members, demonstrating ENTHUSIASM, high standards of PRODUCTIVITY, authentic STEWARDSHIP, and consistent participation in individual and team DEVELOPMENT.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Utilize appropriate methods for working with individuals with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
2. Report suspected Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Isolation, and Abandonment (ANEIA) immediately as mandated by state law.
3. Develop engaging woodworking projects customized to varying skill levels and interests.
4. Create detailed project plans, including material lists, tools required, and step-by-step instructions.
5. Foster a creative and supportive learning environment that encourages experimentation and artisanship.
6. Organize demonstrations and workshops on advanced techniques such as joinery, finishing, and woodturning.
7. Collaborate with other mentors or guest experts to offer specialized sessions in niche woodworking areas.
8. Foster a welcoming and inclusive community environment for participants, families, and caregivers.
9. Promote awareness and advocacy for including individuals with disabilities in the arts.
10. Conduct regular inspections of all woodworking machinery and tools with the help of participants to ensure safety and functionality.
11. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as lubrication, blade sharpening, and calibration, with assistance from participants as permitted.
12. Promptly address any equipment issues or malfunctions, coordinating repairs as needed.
13. Educate students on proper equipment usage, safety protocols, and maintenance practices, including the placement of lock boxes.
14. Ensure compliance with safety regulations and protocols at all times.
15. Communicate effectively with participants, team members, and supervisors regarding course updates, scheduling, and special projects.
16. Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance teaching skills and woodworking knowledge.
17. Support participants in developing organizational skills, checklists, and good habits when creating items designed to be sold or commissioned, such as cutting boards, charcuterie boards, planters, tables, and other various items
18. Maintain an inventory of woodworking materials and tools, replenishing supplies as necessary.
19. Plan and deliver structured woodworking classes covering fundamental techniques and safety procedures.
20. Tailor instructions to accommodate diverse learning styles and skill levels, providing individualized guidance as needed.
21. Assess student progress through evaluations of completed projects and skill demonstrations.
22. Offer constructive feedback and encouragement to foster skill development and confidence.
23. Develop and update curriculum content to reflect industry trends and innovations in woodworking.
24. Maintain a clean and organized workshop environment conducive to learning and productivity.
25. Uphold the woodshop's reputation for excellence through dedication to artisanship and education.
26. May be assigned other duties as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not directly supervise others.

SKILLS REQUIRED

• Ability to facilitate woodworking activities, including project-based learning and hands-on workshops.
• Knowledge of basic math.
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, team members, and supervisors (verbal and written).

• Must possess social perceptiveness to assess and understand other's reactions and behaviors.
• Strong problem-solving skills to assist participants with project challenges.
• Ability to think creatively and offer innovative solutions to woodworking problems.

• Must encompass professional demeanor.
• Ability to define problems and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret instructions, gain knowledge, and have initiative.
• Ability to resolve multiple complex issues simultaneously while remaining calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to successfully perform under critical deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Required: One (1) year of verifiable work experience as a Wood Shop Mentor or similar translatable experience.
• Required: Current CPR and First Aid Certification within 30 days of employment
• Required: Current CPI certification within 30 days of employment
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in a related field, such as Fine Arts, Industrial Arts, Carpentry, Woodworking, or a similar discipline.
• Preferred: Previous experience working with individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES

The physical demands described below represent those that a team member must meet to perform essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of the position. The list below of minimum essential functions is illustrative of the minimums only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed.

• Ability to lift up to forty (40) pounds.
• Ability to perform physical tasks related to woodworking, including lifting materials and standing for extended periods.
• Frequent bending, sitting, standing, lifting and walking.
• Ability to endure varied noise levels from moderate to loud.
• Ability to teach 80% of the day in a classroom and plan programs 20% of the day.
• Dexterity and hand-eye coordination for precise woodworking tasks.